Program Lead – Education and Early Years

Rebuilding Shattered Lives – supporting refugees to recover from torture and other traumatic events

• Full-time, ongoing position in a values-based organisation
• Brunswick head office, free onsite parking, close to PT
• 130k + Super + NFP Salary Packaging

Your Impact
As the Program Lead, Education and Early Years you will be responsible for leading the Education and Early Years program area within our Community and Sector Capacity Building (CSCB) group.

The CSCB Program is an innovative program designed to facilitate and support the development, growth and empowerment of communities from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds to; recover from pre-arrival trauma, resettle positively, and strengthen these communities across Victoria, helping them thrive. Complementing and strengthening this work, CSCB also leads a program that builds on the capacity of the refugee and humanitarian service sector, whilst enabling mainstream health, mental health and wellbeing and education sectors to better understand the refugee and asylum seeker experience. The program shall enhance the responsiveness and effectiveness of these services to communities from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds.

The Role
The Education and Early Years (EEY) Program aims improve the heath, development, wellbeing and educational outcomes for children, young people and families from refugee backgrounds by building the capacity of professionals and services to work effectively for and with individuals and families of refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds.

The Program Lead, Education and Early Years reports to the Manager, Sector Capacity Building and will play a key role in the leadership to support the implementation of the VFST strategic plans well as building and strengthening internal and external stakeholder relationships.
  
Key responsibilities include:

• Contribute to the development of strategic initiatives that enhance the experience of refugee communities in their participation across the education and early years sectors.
• Provide advice to the General Manager that contributes to advocacy and policy development to improve the experience of children, students and families participating in Early Years and Education.
• Lead and contribute to the continual development of program delivery through use of evaluation, client and community feedback, technology innovation, agency consultation and new thinking.
• Lead, manage and effectively support the EEY Team Leaders to manage high quality service delivery and relationship management, monitor and manage performance, resolve issues as they arise and escalate concerns to the manager where required
• Primary point of contact between key stakeholders and program partners to ensure consistent and effective communication, and efficient resolution of issues.
• Coordinate the delivery of the Education and Early Years team to effectively support sector partners to engage in change processes to increase their effectiveness in working with refugee background children, students and their families in accordance with funding requirements.
• Conduct regular reviews and evaluation of program to monitor emerging issues enabling recommendations to be developed and implemented resulting in continual improvement and exploration of new opportunities.

The role is an ongoing, full-time position based in our Brunswick head office.

What you’ll need to successfully apply
To be successful, you will need to positively respond to the below selection criteria: 

• Tertiary qualifications in Education, Social Work, Community Development, Psychology or related discipline. Post graduate qualifications or substantial professional development in management and/or project management is desirable.
• Leadership abilities with successful experience in managing staff and change processes.
• Understanding of trauma recovery principles, psychosocial models supporting trauma recovery, and an understanding of trauma specialist practice.
• Experience in working with clients of a refugee and asylum-seeking background and/or with clients who experience systemic disadvantage.
• Proven relationship management skills, including the ability to influence and negotiate with key stakeholders and partners.
• Proven ability to contribute to strategic planning, advocacy and policy development related to Education and Early Years.
• High level organisational, communication and time management skills, plus a commitment and values alignment to the purpose of Foundation House.

In return 
You’ll be rewarded with: 

• An attractive remuneration package of $130k plus superannuation and annual leave loading.
• Salary packaging benefits of up to $18,550 and novated car leasing options.
• A role with true purpose to make a difference in people’s lives.
• A welcoming, highly diverse and supportive team environment.
• Generous leave provisions with option to purchase additional leave.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members

Foundation House is an inclusive employer
Foundation House is an equal opportunity employer; we foster a work environment that is inclusive and diverse. We are values driven and are committed to improving the life outcomes of refugees and asylum seekers.

Foundation House is a state-wide agency offering services throughout Victoria. We currently have approximately 250 staff across our five offices in Brunswick, Dallas, Dandenong, Ringwood and Sunshine, and we also provide services in partnership with other agencies in regional and rural Victoria.

Foundation House is a Child Safe organisation committed to promoting and protecting the interests and safety of children. We actively play a part in combating family violence, as reflected in our organisational policies, protocols and staff development.

  
How to apply
Upload your CV and a cover letter (maximum one to two pages) outlining why you are suitable for this role and how you meet the selection criteria as described above.

For more information about our hiring process and to see a copy of the position description please refer to our careers with us page.

Applications are due to close 9th of February 2025. Please note, applications will be considered as they are received and may close early.

For enquiries please contact Justin Curreen-Harris from our HR Team via jobs@foundationhouse.org.au or by phone on 03 9389 8985.

If you think you have what it takes but don’t necessarily meet all selection criteria, please still get in touch as we would love to talk with you and see if you could be a suitable fit.

Hiring is subject to satisfactory Police Check, current Working with Children Check, and proof of the right to work and live in Australia.